Spice Eggnog Cake Recipe

Eggnog Cake topped with a delicious eggnog buttercream frosting is the perfect holiday dessert! This moist sheet cake is quick and easy to make and so flavorful. It tastes even better the next day, which means it’s the perfect cake to make ahead of time!

What are your flavors of the holiday season? There’s always classic Peppermint Bark, Hot Mulled Cider, and White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies.

But when the holidays roll around, my family starts begging me to make eggnog. And I don’t doubt why. Nothing says “the holidays” like a glass of warm Homemade Non-Alcoholic Eggnog (which you can make adults-only if you want!).

And my homemade eggnog is AWESOME. There’s just hiding that fact. 😂

So, what do you do when you’ve already enjoyed a batch or two of eggnog and couldn’t help but make (or buy) more? Um, you make an eggnog cake of course! That way you can drink AND eat your eggnog!

Do you love eggnog too? Try it in eggnog cake form – lightly spiced, moist yellow cake is covered in irresistible creamy eggnog buttercream frosting. If you’re looking for the perfect crowd-pleasing dessert for Christmas (or the holiday season in general), this is it! 

Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it tastes even better the next day. Make your holiday prep easier by making this eggnog cake recipe the day before…and serving it with a delicious mug of hot chocolate.

Ingredients For Eggnog Sheet Cake

This eggnog cake will become your go-to cake for holiday parties and get-togethers. But my favorite part, besides the flavor, is how EASY it is to make. Here’s what you’ll need on hand.

NOTE: Please refer to the handy printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete recipe, including specific ingredient amounts!

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Nutmeg and cinnamon, ground
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Sugar
• Pure vanilla extract
• Eggnog (storebought or homemade)
• Eggs

Eggnog Buttercream Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Eggnog
• Ground nutmeg
• Rum extract OR Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Sprinkles or Additional nutmeg

How To Make Eggnog Cake

This moist cake is packed with flavor thanks to the cinnamon and nutmeg and has an almost pound cake consistency from the eggnog IN the batter. 

And if that baked deliciousness isn’t enough, make this cake REALLY pop by covering it in creamy eggnog buttercream. This is THE cake for anyone who loves eggnog!

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease your 9×13 baking dish. Set it aside.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together, until combined.

Step 3

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer), cream the butter and sugar.  Add the vanilla, and eggnog until well combined.

Beat in the eggs one at a time.

Step 4

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5

Pour the batter into the baking dish, and smooth out the top.

Step 6

Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the middle. Set aside to cool.

Make The Frosting

Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the butter until it turns white and creamy. 

Turn the mixer to low speed and add the powdered sugar, nutmeg and extract. Then increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until smooth. 

Add the eggnog and continue to beat until the consistency is smooth and spreadable.

Spread the frosting over the top of the cake.

Sprinkle the cake over either with holiday sprinkles or a light dusting of ground nutmeg.

Enjoy!

Tips For Making Amazing Eggnog Cake

Use these tips to help this cake turn out perfectly every time!

• Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you cream it with the sugar. If it’s fresh out of the fridge, it won’t cream properly. 
• Add good quality vanilla extract. That’s important. 
• If you’re using a storebought eggnog, use a good quality full fat store bought eggnog. 
• Your cake will be ready when a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it to cool completely before frosting. 

Tips For Making Eggnog Buttercream

• Grab your hand mixer or stand mixer to make this frosting.
• Make sure your butter is at room temperature. 
• Your frosting should be creamy and smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a touch more eggnog. 

Eggnog Cake Variations To Try

Want that spiked taste? Add a rum extract (instead of vanilla extract) for an even better flavor. You could also add just a little bit of rum to the cake batter.

Make this cake either as a single layer sheet cake or a 2 layer 8-inch cake. If you layer the cake, add frosting in between the layers!

FAQs

Here are answers to common questions I see readers ask. If you don’t see your question below, leave it in the comments!

How should I store eggnog cake?

The crumb of this cake is very moist and will keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How do I keep eggnog cake from sticking to the pan?

I recommend greasing your pans with butter and then lightly flouring them.

Some people also swear by vegetable oil spray with a sprinkle of flour.

More Delicious Desserts To Try

If you love this eggnog cake, make sure you also check out our:

• Very Best Fresh Berry Chantilly Cake
• Apple Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
• Homemade Banana Pudding Poke Cake
• Creamy Instant Pot Fresh Berry Cheesecake
• How To Make Cheesecake Strawberry Poke Cake